As much as we’d like to say otherwise, the reality is that your divorce will undoubtedly be one of the more turbulent and emotionally stressful times in your life. Unfamiliarity with the legal process combined with mounting financial hardships, mourning the loss of your relationship, and fears over what happens next for your kids are almost too much to bear. On top of that, it feels like every decision you make has lasting implications. Naturally, the last thing you want is to make a series of divorce mistakes during such a pivotal time.
As you embark on this journey, it’s important for us as family law attorneys to ensure that you have as much clarity and confidence as possible. Many elements of the divorce process are uncontrollable and unique to each case. However, avoiding these common divorce mistakes could ease some of your concerns and help set you and your family up for the best possible outcome.
These Common Divorce Mistakes Can Derail Your Case
Not hiring an attorney
You have every right to represent yourself in court. That said, many parties who proceed “pro se,” or on one’s own behalf, find that their case and the court process are more complex than expected. As a result, they’ve potentially placed themselves at a disadvantage. There is so much happening during the divorce process, including complexities related to child custody and child support, spousal maintenance, property division, mediation, and everything in between. It is better to leave it all in the experienced hands of a family law attorney to avoid unintended divorce mistakes.
Letting your emotions take the wheel
One of the biggest divorce mistakes you can make is letting your emotions get the best of you. Granted, it can be incredibly tempting to let all that anger, resentment, frustration, rage, and every other possible emotion spill over in a series of uncontrolled outbursts and harmful revenge tactics. But the ramifications of this are not worth it. Not only do you make yourself look bad in the eyes of the judge, but you potentially give the other party ammunition to use against you and drag out the divorce process, costing you time, money, and a favorable custody arrangement.
Ignoring your children’s best interests
Children are always caught in the middle of their parents’ divorce, often being used as pawns in emotional and financial battles. Therefore, their unique needs, wants, and best interests must be central to every decision. Doing so ensures a healthier family dynamic long after the divorce.
Rushing the process
It’s natural to want to put your divorce behind you as quickly as possible. But rushing yourself and your attorney through the process can cause you to miss important details and make hasty decisions, such as settling for less than you deserve and paying more money than you should have. Patience is the best way to avoid this divorce mistake.
Doing and saying the wrong things on social media
Social media, text messages, emails, and other online activity often play a damaging role in divorce proceedings, as they create an almost irrefutable electronic record that lawyers can use as exhibits in hearings. Need a few examples of what not to say or do on social media? Check out this blog post. In the meantime, you’re better off stopping social media use almost entirely until your divorce ends.
Not knowing your options
You may be unable to avoid your upcoming divorce, but you can choose whether or not it plays out in court. Marriages end peacefully all the time, ultimately saving each party a lot of time, money, and heartache. If you don’t mind working together with your spouse, mediation and collaborative divorce are peaceful ways to negotiate all the terms of your divorce.
Failing to document everything
Many divorce mistakes are avoidable, including your ability to document everything. Documentation is your best friend during a divorce, as it can serve as crucial evidence during your case and ensure you have exactly what you need at your fingertips. Examples include all communications with your spouse (voicemails, texts, email exchanges), financial records, investment information, mortgage documents, tax returns, real estate deeds, and more.
The attorneys at Christman | Daniell Attorneys have a unique and refreshing approach to the often turbulent and emotionally stressful disputes arising in the context of divorce, child custody, and other family law cases. Our firm anchors its representation and legal advice in principles and philosophies that focus on the long-term best interests of children and families. Although it is not easy, our attorneys are committed to supporting and guiding clients through the dark days of marital discord and crisis.
Our mission is to provide our clients with long-range perspectives and outstanding legal advice that help them rebuild their families after marital dissolution. Some cases require aggressive advocacy where we must deliver the righteous blow of justice, while others require patience, de-escalation, and diplomatic solutions. Especially when children are involved, we help the client develop and execute the best strategies to avoid leaving a wake of destruction, the brunt of which falls largely on the innocent and impressionable children of divorce. Christman | Daniell Attorneys’ primary goal is to protect our client’s interests, equip them for a difficult journey, and deliver skilled and legal advocacy and advice.
Please call Christman | Daniell Attorneys for your legal needs today!
Are you looking for family law services? Christman | Daniell Attorneys is your premier choice. With years of experience and a deep understanding of the legal landscape in cities throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area, our skilled team is dedicated to helping families navigate complex legal matters. Whether it’s divorce, child custody, or adoption, trust Christman | Daniell Attorneys to provide compassionate and effective representation for all your family law needs.
Please consult an attorney for advice about your individual situation. The material on this website and in this or any blog article we publish are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. The attorneys at Christman | Daniell Attorneys believe in tailoring legal advice and solutions to your own personal circumstances.
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